Impact of Ureteral Access Sheath Force of Insertion on Ureteral Trauma: In vivo preliminary study with 7 patients (original) (raw)

Predicting an Effective Ureteral Access Sheath Insertion: A Bicenter Prospective Study

Journal of Endourology, 2014

Introduction: The use of a ureteral access sheath (UAS) may provide significant advantages, particularly, in the treatment of a large renal stone burden. However, in some patients, the passage of a UAS up the ureter is impossible. We prospectively evaluated the ability to insert a 14F UAS and analyzed the possible predictors for an effective insertion. Patients and Methods: In a bicenter prospective study, 248 consecutive patients undergoing ureteroscopy and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) were recruited. In each case, we attempted initially to pass a 14F Flexor-Cook UAS. If passage was difficult, gradual dilation using semirigid ureteral dilators (Cook Medical) was performed. Patients were categorized into three groups: effective passage, with and without dilation, and failure to pass the UAS. Age, gender, body-mass index (BMI), an indwelling Double-J stent, and a history of previous ureteroscopy or Double-J stent were all analyzed, as possible predictors for an effective UAS insertion. Results: In 22% of the patients, we could not pass a 14F UAS. Of the preoperative parameters that were examined, we found three independent predictors for an effective 14F UAS insertion: age (odds ratio: 1.5 and 95% CI [1.3, 1.9]), previous same-side procedures (odds ratio: 9.7 and 95% CI [8.3, 14.5]), and an indwelling Double-J stent (odds ratio: 21.73 and 95% CI [20, 30]). The gender, BMI, and side of surgery did not predict the success rate. Conclusions: Insertion of a 14F UAS before RIRS may fail in approximately one-fifth of the patients. An indwelling Double-J stent, a history of previous ureteroscopy or Double-J stent, and older age are all significant predictors for an effective 14F UAS insertion.

Is a ureteral stent required after use of ureteral access sheath in presented patients who undergo flexible ureteroscopy?

Central European journal of urology, 2017

Use of a ureteral access sheath (UAS) within flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) for the management of kidney and ureteral stones has shown improvements in its effectiveness, but it is also associated with increased risk of ureteral injury. Use of ureteral stent (US) after fURS is recommended by some authors, because of its role in reducing postoperative pain and preventing complications. Our objective is to determine if postoperative stenting is necessary in pre-stented patients that underwent fURS using UAS. A retrospective history review of patients who underwent fURS using UAS at our hospital between July 1(st) 2013 and May 31(st) 2016 was performed. Only pre-stented patients were included. All procedures were performed using the same UAS (Boston Navigator TM., 11-13 Fr.). Patients were separated according to the use or not of postoperative US. The same US (26 cm 6 Fr percuflex, Boston Scienfic) was used for all stented patients. Clinical parameters, stone demographics, operative time ...

Intraoperative Evaluation of Ureteral Access Sheath-Related Injuries Using Post-Ureteroscopic Lesion Scale

Journal of laparoendoscopic & advanced surgical techniques. Part A, 2015

In the present study, intraoperative ureteral injuries inflicted during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) with ureteral access sheath (UAS) use were evaluated using the Post- Ureteroscopic Lesion Scale (PULS). Patients in whom a UAS was used during RIRS and for whom ureter images were video recorded during the procedure were included in the study. PULS grading was performed after UAS removal, and video sequences of all patients were viewed by a junior resident, a senior resident, and four experienced urologists and assessed according to the PULS. Ureteral lesions in distal, middle, proximal, and multiple locations were evaluated and compared according to the PULS scale. The inter-rater reliability of PULS grading among various urologists was also evaluated. The evaluation comprised 101 patients. In 77 patients, 9.5/11.5 French UAS devices were used, and in 24 patients, 12/14 French UAS devices were used. The stone-free rate, clinical insignificant residual fragments, and final st...

Is it safe to use a ureteral access sheath in an unstented ureter?

BMC Urology, 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to examine ureteral stricture rate after the use of UAS in an unstented ureter and compare complications of smaller vs. larger-caliber UAS. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive RIRS for renal stones, with the use of UAS in unstented ureters. We excluded cases with previous ureteroscopies, who carried ureteral stent or nephrostomy, had impacted stones, underwent radiation treatment, or had urinary tract malignancies. The primary outcome was formation of ureteral strictures diagnosed by hydronephrosis in ultrasound test and late secretion in dynamic renal scan. Secondary outcome was stone-free-rate (SFR) and complications. In addition, we compared safety and efficacy of smaller (9.5/11.5Fr) vs. larger-caliber (12/14Fr) UAS. Results: The cohort included 165 patients with a median follow-up time of 115 days. There was no case of ureteral stricture formation after the use us UAS, despite using a larger-caliber UAS in nearly half the cases. Larger-caliber UAS was not associated with more complications compared to the smaller-caliber one (p = 0.780). SFR was non-significantly higher in the larger-caliber UAS group (p = 0.056), despite having a larger stone burden, and only stone number was associated with SFR (p = 0.003). Conclusions: These data suggest that the use of UAS during RIRS in an unstented ureter is safe and does not involve ureteral stricture formation after one procedure. Furthermore, the use of wider sheaths was not found to be associated with higher complications rate.

Construction-related Differences Seen in Ureteral Access Sheaths: Comparison of Reinforced Versus Nonreinforced Ureteral Access Sheaths

Urology, 2009

Ureteral access sheaths (UASs) are used to facilitate ureteroscopic procedures. Difficulties with use have been reported. Manufacturers have redesigned these devices to ameliorate these problems, including reinforcement of the sheath wall. This study compared reinforced (RUASs) and nonreinforced UASs (NRUASs) of the same manufacturer to determine whether RUASs expedite ureteroscopy and how relevant the reinforced structure is in terms of overall success.We prospectively followed up patients undergoing ureteroscopy for urolithiasis with 1 of 2 UASs; the Applied NRUAS and the Applied RUAS. The demographics, operative parameters, and outcomes were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed.A total of 98 UASs were used in 68 male and 30 female patients (47 NRUASs and 51 RUASs). No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of demographic parameters, operative parameters, or successful sheath deployment. The overall success rate for sheath deployment was 95%. A pre-existing stent was significantly associated with successful deployment (P = .004). The sheath-specific limitations included kinking (NRUASs, 10%) and sheath angulation/deformity (RUASs, 21%). The mean follow-up time was 43.4 months; and 93.9% of the patients had radiologic follow-up. No ureteral strictures were noted.No significant difference was found in the overall success rates between the use of Applied NRUASs and RUASs. The presence of a pre-existing stent was significantly associated with successful sheath deployment. Each UAS design had its own unique limitations, seen with low frequency. Successful sheath use might relate to both the sheath itself and the patient/operative parameters.

Could Radiological Parameters Help to Predict the Failure of Ureteral Access Sheath Placement

Research Square (Research Square), 2024

Aim To identify the radiological parameters which may help to predict the success of ureteral access sheath (UAS) placement during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Patients and Methods The study included 49 patients in whom failure ureteral access sheath placement in RIRS and 49 control group patients who were successfully placement between January 2023 and December 2023. The age, gender, body mass index (BMI), non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT), and kidney ureter bladder (KUB) radiographs were compared between the two groups. Measurements of the anteroposterior (ap) diameter of the pelvic inlet, anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic outlet, interspinous distance diameter were taken from non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT), while pelvic anteroposterior diameter and pelvic lateral diameter were measured from kidney ureter bladder (KUB) radiography. Results There were no signi cant differences between the groups in age, gender, body mass index, ap pelvic inlet diameter, ap pelvic outlet, and interspinous distance diameter. However, a statistically signi cant difference was found between the pelvic ap diameter and pelvic lateral diameter values measured on the KUB radiography. Conclusions The values for pelvic ap diameter and pelvic lateral diameter measured in the KUB radiographs can be used to predict the likelihood of UAS passage during RIRC procedures. However, further studies with larger patient groups are needed to establish a cutoff value.

Aftermath of Grade 3 Ureteral Injury from Passage of a Ureteral Access Sheath: Disaster or Deliverance?

Journal of Endourology Case Reports, 2016

Background: The ureteral access sheath (UAS) has revolutionized the management of urinary pathology in the upper tract by providing rapid repeatable access to the upper urinary tract. However, in many practices, it remains a controversial tool in endourology given concerns of possible ureteral injury and presumed long-term sequela from those injuries. This case suggests that these concerns may be more hypothetical than real. Case Presentation: A 32-year-old female with a history of recurrent nephrolithiasis presented with left-sided symptomatic renal colic. She was found to have bilateral nephrolithiasis plus a left 6 • 5 mm proximal ureteral stone with associated moderate hydroureteronephrosis. The patient failed a trial of passage and as such was taken to the operating room for an elective ureteroscopy (URS) during which she sustained a Grade 3 ureteral splitting injury, measuring *2-3 cm, to the distal ureter from passage of the 16F UAS. At the end of the procedure a 7/10F endopyelotomy stent was placed. On follow-up URS at 6 weeks, there was no visual evidence of ureteral injury. A Lasix renal scan obtained 8 weeks after stent removal showed no evidence of obstruction. Conclusion: High-grade ureteral injuries sustained from UAS passage are rare. However, when injuries of this nature occur, the concern over long-term damage to the ureter may well be overstated.

Comparison of commonly utilized ureteral access sheaths: A prospective randomized trial

Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia

Objective: We aimed to evaluate and compare the functional characteristics, safety profile and effectiveness of two commonly used ureteral access sheaths (UAS) during flexible ureteroscopy. Methods: After institutional review board approval, patients with proximal ureteral or kidney stones requiring flexible ureteroscopy and UAS were prospectively randomized to group I or group II according to the type of access sheath used. Primary outcome was incidence of intraoperative complications. Results: Eighty-eight patients were enrolled in the study, 44 patients in each group. Sheath size 12/14 FR was used in both cohorts. Median (IQR) stone size was 10 mm (7-13.5) and 10.5 mm (7.37-14) in group I and II respectively (p = 0.915). Nineteen and twenty patients, in group I and II respectively, were pre-stented. Subjective resistance with insertion of the UAS was observed in 9 and 11 patients in group I and II respectively (p = 0.61) while failed insertion was encountered in one patient in gr...

Failed insertion of ureteral access sheath during flexible ureterorenoscopy: A randomized controlled trial comparing second session flexible ureterorenoscopy or same session mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy

We aimed to compare different treatment approaches in patients with failed ureteral access sheath placement during first flexible ureterorenoscopy (f-URS) session. Patients with kidney stones measuring 1-2 cm, presented to our urology clinic between April 2019 and April 2021, were included in the study for evaluation. Patients were randomized into two groups, in case of a failed ureteral access sheath placement during the first f-URS session. In group 1, ureteral JJ stent was placed for dilation and second session of f-URS was planned 4-6 weeks later. In group 2, mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPNL) was performed in the same session. Pre-operative demographic data, operative and post-operative characteristics including complications and success rates were compared. Patients were assessed by Short-Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires to compare overall life quality after each procedure. Twenty-four patients were included in each group. Pre-operative demographic data and stone character...

Assessment of stricture formation with the ureteral access sheath

Urology, 2003

To analyze the long-term incidence of ureteral stricture formation in a series of patients in whom a new-generation ureteral access sheath was used. A new generation of ureteral access sheaths has been developed to facilitate ureteroscopic procedures. However, some have questioned their safety and whether the device might cause significant ureteral trauma. Between September 1999 and July 2001, 150 consecutive ureteroscopic procedures with adjunctive use of an access sheath were performed. A retrospective chart review to April 2002 was done. Of the 150 patients, 130 underwent ureteroscopy for ureteral stones. Patients who underwent endoureterotomy or treatment of transitional cell carcinoma were excluded from this analysis. Sixty-two patients had follow-up greater than 3 months and were included in the analysis. Overall, 71 ureteroscopic procedures were performed, with 9 patients undergoing multiple procedures. Ninety-two percent of the patients had pathologic findings above the ilia...